Bridal Show Survival Guide

(from Dallas Wedding Planner)

There is a lot of emotion tied to your wedding decisions and bridal shows can provide you with additional information to make the best choices in your wedding selections. Bridal shows can also be overwhelming because there are so many vendors to see in a few hours. Here are some tips to help your bridal show experience to be more helpful and productive.

Make a list.
When you attend the show, you want to focus on the products and services you need the most. Making a list will help you stay focused. If you are just starting your wedding plans, then list the products and services that are most important to you.

Arrive early.
Come early so that you have more time to talk to the vendors. Most shows get overloaded with Brides-to-Be by the afternoon. Beat the crowd by starting early. Vendors will be more likely to give you more personal attention without a crowd hovering over their booth.

If you already have your gown...
Skip the fashion show if you have already purchased your gown and visit the vendor's booths during that period. These vendors will be eager to talk with you since most everybody will be watching the fashion show.

Take notes.
Prepare for information overload. When you find a vendor you would like to follow up with, take a pen and write what struck you as appealing about them on their business card or literature. When you get home and are faced with brochures from 14 different photographers, your note may be the only thing you have to remember which ones you liked and why.

Sort as you go.
Here's a secret tip from the Pros at DWP™ especially if you're a newbie to the whole Bridal Show scene: Sort as you go. Put the offers you are genuinely interested in into one bag, and the pamphlets you took just to be polite into another bag. When you get home, you will not be so frustrated having to sort through all of the materials from the show.

Take your time with the vendors.
Take a few minutes to chat with each of the vendors in the categories you're working on. Evaluate their personalities. Don't rush to the next booth without asking yourself this quick question: Would you feel comfortable working with this person? Take in your first impression and then move on.

Don’t make decisions too fast.
Don’t jump at the first vendor who you see and write a check. Write the details of what you saw on the back of their business card or pamphlet so you can review it. Study your notes at home. You should compare prices and quality of service before committing to a service. Never sign up for or purchase anything the day of the show. Beware of vendors who will only offer show discounts on the day of the show only. If you don't have the opportunity to talk with them in depth, how do you know they are right for you? A vendor who is not willing to let you think the decision over and compare other prices and services is not confident in his or her services and ultimately is not worth your business.

Consult with your Planner.
Talk to your wedding planner about the vendors you saw at the bridal show. Your planner can provide you with additional information and insight and perhaps first-hand knowledge about many local vendors.

Schedule appointments.
After meeting with your planner and establishing a reasonable budget, schedule appointments with the vendors who can accommodate your budget and you feel might be a good fit for you and your wedding.